Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 3rd October 1839

I spent the greater part of this day in writing tee-total songs for the people of Bervie.  In the afternoon, I took the coach for Stonehaven.  But here again I suffered a silent ride.  However the distance was not great.  It only cost me 4/- this juant.  In Stonehaven I was kindly received.  Got lodgings of a Mr. Bowman, a grocer.  In the evening I lectured to a large audience in the Methodist Chapel, about 2 hours.  Four names were added.  I proposed to lecture next night in the same place.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

 

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 1st and 2nd October 1839

Due to heavy work load at work and other commitments, it has been a long while since I have posted a journal entry.  Time to get back on track!

The pages from September 27^th – September 30^th are missing from the journal, so we start up again with the entry from October 1, 1839.  Since this entry is short, I’m also posting the entry for October 2^nd.

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lst October l839

I spent the greater part of the day in study, and in the evening I went out to Lochside, where I lectured to a most attentive audience chiefly composed of females, about 2 hours.  This Society is flourishing.  Nearly all the inhabitants of the district are members.  I was earnestly requested to leave a Song I had wrote with Mr. Troup that they might publish it which I promised to do.

2nd October l839

I finished the Song and left it with Mr. Troup as promised.  About 2 o'clock p.m. I went to the Coach Office and with difficulty obtained a seat for Bervie.  But here I paid for my whistle as in most other places I have done.  Alas!  I pity the poor traveller who has nothing to depend on but the conversations of his companions.  In my case however the matter was different, for I but seldom court the conversation of those who travel with me.  The scenery being almost new to me, I had enough ado with it and considering the important work in which I was engaged without giving any attention to the dull morose companions who travelled with me.  Another 3 were in the Coach, an old lady with a face for the world like a shrivelled white clout with a pair of spectacles on her grey eyes, in which beamed pride in a most horrifying degree.  I was relieved from this silent deformity about Lauriston.  The next was an old gentleman little better.  Pride seemed to be his chief virtue, and the last was a young lady, who perhaps like myself, was too much taken up with personalities to care much about her companions.  She employed her time in reading.  Not a word passed the whole l3 miles and I was happy on reaching Bervie at finding myself relieved of such a Society. The payment of 5/- for my ride together with these circumstances put me in a rather bad humour, but the scene was not long in shifted.  I was scarcely landed when I had to encounter a Taylor on the subject of the Charter.  This man was also a curiosity.  He was one of those who make a virtue of a necessity, for example he got so very high in the discussion that he believed he would do better were he to get on his feet, and in attempting to rise for this laudable purpose he brought the chair in which he sat which had but the greater part of the seat up with him.  And all that he could make of this occurrence was to ask me if I could play that?  My gravity forsook me as I witnessed the old fool walking through the floor with the pride of some heathen prince, carrying the chair after him without the assistance of his hands.

My Bills had reached, and were circulated, and I sent the Bellman through the town.  The meeting was held about 7 o'clock in Mr. McKenzies Chapel.  The attendance was numerous, and very attentive.  I lectured nearly 3 hours without any opposition but from a Drunken Saddler, who growled like a Bear in a cage, who could not possibly get at his prey.  I was most kindly treated by a Robert Barclay, and his family.

There are about 200 members here. The sect. has weekly meetings.  They are starting a Band and have got an excellent Drum, and a few other instruments.

Altogether my visit to Bervie gives me much satisfaction, and I hope has been productive of some good.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 26th September 1839

My landlady and her family were exceedingly kind to me.  I enjoyed much pleasure in walking in the beautiful garden belonging to the house, and in sitting in that arbour, where so many of the columns of the Montrose Review - which have tended so much to evelate mankind, had been composed.  While enjoying this scene, all the romantic feelings of love beset by the most striking virtue, and adorned with the grandest scenes of nature's workmanship, flashed upon my mind, and I believe had I had time sufficient at my command I could have wrote a romantic tale, so much was my imagination tainted by the lovely scene around, and even while I sit and write - surrounded as I am with the beauties of nature and art, the paintings around me and some of them fair originals standing beside me, telling of ancestors who are smiling in the canvas from the walls who once lived and moved, where I now am, and the consciousness that these ancestors were men and women of no ordinary talent, and beauty, with the heart thrilling notes of the piano, accompanied by the sweet voice of Margaret (Margret) the flower of Montrose altogether overwhelm me and open up to me new beauties, touching a chord of pleasure, that till now had been dead in my bosom, it was here that I first saw beauty combined with talent, and in this scene must my mind ever look back with inexpresible feelings of no common delight.

Margaret, the flower of Montrose

What tho' the bright fields are enshrouded in spendour,

And enchanting the notes of Autumns sweet song
Tho' the Lake 'mid the Rocks is reposing in grandeur
And the mountain Deer bounding the wild woods among

To the heart that tormented swells in this sad bosom

In vain drops the dew from the Lily and Rose
In vain does sweet nature spread fragrance and blessings
While far from sweet Margret the flower of Montrose

Proud boreas may swell the dark frowning ocean

And the Bark may distracted reel over the waves
The skies may be tossed(?) in dreadful commotion(?)
And the warrior be hushed on the field of the brave

Yet to this sad bosom while memory is reigning

In vain lovely nature in glory forth goes
This heart still all comfort and joy is disdaining
While far from sweet Margret the flower of Montrose.

When evenings dark shades envelope the mountains
And Phoebus in glory spreads brightness around
As lonely I stray by the streams and the fountains
In majesty murm'ring their language profound

Still this bosom distracted does conjure up near me

The Nymph that for beauty outvies the sweetest(?)
And in journeying this world this only can charm me
The love of young Margret the flower of Montrose

In the afternoon I went to Logie a place about 4 miles distant from Montrose where there is a spinning mill and bleachfield.  I lectured about 2 1/4 hours in a schoolroom to about l00 of an audience.  Eight names were added to the Society at the close of the lecture.

The cause is prospering in this quarter. 

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 25th September 1839

This morning I employed myself in copying temperance songs etc., the morning being extremely wet.  When the weather cleared up I travelled to Montrose, had an interview with the Pres. & Secty who conducted me to Mr. Sharp(?) of the Review, who received me kindly, and promised me a licence to lecture, would I but stay a few days in the quarter.  Mr. Sharp (?) seems a frank open kind man.  His appearance bespeaks him to be a man of intense study.  He is about the middle size, rather thin (doubtless on account of great mental exertion).  He was exceedingly kind to me.

I was in a manner idle this evening I attended a Prayer Meeting which was in the family where I lodged and was much delighted with it, it was in connection with the Scottish Baptists.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 23rd and 24th September 1839

I’ve been a little lax again in posting the journal entries, so once again I am doubling up.  Enjoy.

September 23, l839

Employed the greater part of the day in study and writing to friends.  In the evening I lectured in the Old Relief Chapel to about 300 of an attentive audience.  The cause here is prospering very much.  There are about 720 members.  They manifest a great desire to become acquainted with the subject.  I was very kindly used while in Kirriemuir.

September 24, l839

Left Kirriemuir for Forfar per Omnibus, about a quarter to ll a.m. reached Forfar about 12, remained till half past 3 p.m. when I took the Railway Coach for Auldbar where I landed about 4.   It rained hard and then not being a coach for Brechin till 6, I stretched me on a form in the Office and took a nap.  When I awoke, I was very cold, and it still continued to rain very heavily.  It was not a covered coach, but I had the benefit of an umbrella.  It was about half eight when I reached Brechin, but had no difficulty in finding out the Pres. of the Society.  The meeting had been advertised.  I accordingly went to the church, and lectured about 2 hours, to a pretty good audience (considering the unfavourable weather).  The Soct (Society) is very prosperous.  There are about 700 members, but there is much work also here, there being no less than 7 public houses and 2 distilleries.

The women here are extremely busy.  Some of them come before the Public at the weekly convivial meetings, and deliver addresses.

I was most kindly received here.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 21st and 22nd September 1839

I seem to have forgotten to post the journal entry last Sunday, so I am posting two days’ worth this week, which is kind of a good thing as the journal entry for September 22^nd is rather short!

September 21, 1839

Sent for coach a number of Bills forward to Brechin and Montrose, altogether uncertain whether they would reach or not, as I did not know to whom I should send them.

Having been wrong informed of the hour when the Omnibus for Kirriemuir should start I was disappointed in that conveyance, and had to travel on foot to Kirriemuir.  On the way I called into a house at a place called Padonarm and as usual examined the people on Tee-totalism.  I found them prejudiced against the system through ignorance, so much so that, they told me that "it was a very bad thing to lay any more taxes on the working classes".  On further enquiry I found that, the view they had of Tee-totalism was, that a tax was to be put on every house that had 3 windows.  I explained the principles of total abstinence to them and convinced them that they were just.  I also circulated a few tracts and songs on which the people did not know what to make of me - they made me sit down, and although head and foot of me could have ate, I believe they would have been satisfied.

It was evening till I reached Kirriemuir, my Bills had reached, but the lecture was put off to Monday, as their weekly convivial meeting happens on Saturday - I attended the convivial meeting - the house being a church was crowded.  A hymn commenced the proceedings, after which a tune by the Instrumental band, and a song from any individual who volunteered his or her services, and of these there was no lack alternatively made up all the routine of the amusement of the evening.  I delivered a short address to them, and sang two songs.  This meeting was to me another proof that for man to enjoy himself there was no necessity for intoxicating liquors.

September 22, l839

This being Sabbath I went in the forenoon to the Rev. Mr. Ramage's Chapel and heard a lecture on Eph. 2.ll, l2, l3 & l4 by a Mr. Murray - In the afternoon I attended divine service the Rev. Mr. Buchan's Chapel, and in the evening I went to hear Dr. Easton.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 20th September 1839

Proceeded to Arbroath by the Railway.  Was kindly received by Alexander Anderson's family to whom I had a letter.  Had an interview with Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Gellatly, as also with Mr. John Taylor Sect. to the Tee-total Society.  Proceeded by the Railway to Forfar.   The view was delightful.   The sun shone in autumnal grandeur, upon the busy reapers.   Nature smiled sweet around me, and I was not dead to her charms, my heart rose in gratitude to the great source of all the beauties.  A serene, severe reflection oftener than once passed through my mind.  Can man, thought I, favoured with such a scene of beauty, in which he must perceive not only grandeur, but also mercy, be so debased as to withdraw himself from the lovely scene and spend his precious time in debauchery.  And can these fields of Barley 'mong which the reaper plys his busy sickle be changed into a deadly poison by man to destroy his fellow.  Ah! Yes! Tis lamentably true.  Then reflections nerved me onward to the undertaking in which I was engaged.  On reaching Forfar, I called on two members of Committee who seemed quite willing that a meeting should be got up for me but would do nothing without the concurrence of the rest.  I accordingly went to a Mr. Scott, Pres. of the Society, who sent for the Treasurer, and made up matters.  The meeting was called through the town.  The business was rather a failure.  Owing partly to it being on the day on which inhabitants are most busy at their avocations, and partly to the short notice which they had of my coming.  There could not be more than 100 who assembled in the Mason Lodge where I lectured about an hour and a half.

The cause here is prosperous.  There are about 400 members.  They have printed their Rules.  They are much the same as the Dundee ones.  An excellent instrumental band belonging to the Society is started l7 in number.  A weekly convivial meeting is held on the Saturday evenings.  These meetings are not conducted on the principal, which is generally adopted, of giving sound information on the subject, but mainly in singing and amusement.   Consequently they are well attended.  To these meetings, the Society is most indebted for its present prosperous state for there is but little thirst for information on the subject.  I endeavoured to point out the evil as far as possible to the Committee, who promised to endeavour to remedy it, if possible.

 

I had supper in the Coffee room, and a good bed in a respectable house.  On the whole my visit to Forfar did in no wise realize my expectations.  However some good may have been done.

 

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 19th September 1839

Visited a Mr. Andrew Bell in Broughtyferry and had a sight of several very curious glasses, among which was a very powerful microscope.  This individual informed me that he had mixed a little water and vegetables together for a few days, and on taking a view of a single drop had found it to contain an innumerable quantity of living animals, he had dipped the point of a needle in whisky and put it to the drop of water, and all the animals died.

Proceeded by the Arbroath Railway to Carnoustie.  Was directed by the Sec. Alex Balfour Wright to the Pres., a Mr. Wright, a taylor.  At first he would not hear of a meeting being got up.  I told him if he would not assist me I should call a meeting myself.  By degrees he softened down.  He could do nothing "he said" without the committee.  I thereupon got a quorum of their Committee called, and as they approved of me, the Bellman was sent about to call a meeting, which took place in a large School-room.   About l00 were present.  I lectured about 2 1/4 hours.  When through 5 individuals came forward and signed the pledge.  The Society here amounts to 80.

Mr. Wright was very kind to me he seems to have the matter at heart.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 18th September 1839

Had a conversation with Mr. Campbel, Sectr. of the Dundee Society. Proceeded by the Arbroath Railway to Broughty Ferry.  Called on Mr. John Taylor, Sectr of the Society.  Was very kindly used both by that gentleman, and the other members of Committee.  It appears that a considerable number of members here have failed.  The cause goes on but slowly.  The chief reason seems to be the hatred of the fishermen to the cause.  Not a solitary individual of that class is a member, neither do any of them attend the Societies meetings.  There are l00 steady members including about 20 at Dundee.   The Bell man called a meeting for me, in a Mr. Stuart's schoolroom.  About 60 attended among whom were some confirmed drunkards.  I lectured about two hours and a half.  No one opposed me, in the slightest degree.  A few tracts were purchased from me by the committee.  I slept with Mr. Stuart, a Mason.  Both he and his wife were very kind to me.

When the lecture was through, a circumstance somewhat curious occurred to me; an old man came up to me, and whispered into my ear "I am a true prophet of God, a true prophet, Robert Laird of Broughtyferry".  The old man, whom I perceived to be a maniac proceeded to tell me that he would endow me with "a sight" upon which he went down on his right knee and ordered me to hold down my head.  After making several signs with his fingers chiefly upon his face, he gave me 2 slaps on the forehead, and then rising with triumph beaming in his conuntenace, he told me that "I had got a sight".

I was told that the Sabbath previous, a woman of the ferry had drunk a mutchken of whisky, and was found a corpse shortly after.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 17th September 1839

Left Alyth about 7 o'clock in the morning and proceeded, with considerable difficulty, on account of the Isla having overflowed its Banks to Co-Angus (Coupar Angus).  The forenoon was wet, I was too late for the coach with which I intended to go to Dundee.  Was shown a great deal of kindness, by a stranger, with whose name I am not acquainted.  Visited Mr. Liddell (?) in Co-Angus and examined his printing press.  Had rather a curious interview with a young man, and two Ladies, on the subject of tee-totalism.  The young man was at first a great enemy of the cause but after a little conversation he softened down a good deal, at last to the no small diversion of the Ladies, he faithfully promised to come and hear me lecturing in Kirriemuir on Saturday.  An individual belonging to the Railway told me, that it was a fixed rule that all servants about the Railway should be tee-totalers.  Proceeded to Dundee.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell